Main Entry: ¹wind·lass

Pronunciation: \ˈwin(d)-ləs\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English wyneles, wyndlas, alteration of wyndase, from Old French guindas, windas, from Old Norse vindāss, from vinda to wind (akin to Old High German wintan to wind) + āss pole; akin to Gothic ans beam

Date: 13th century

: any of various machines for hoisting or hauling: as a : a horizontal barrel supported on vertical posts and turned by a crank so that the hoisting rope is wound around the barrel b : a steam or electric winch with horizontal or vertical shaft and two drums used to raise a ship's anchor